...a school sports day where the children are very well dressed and rather drunk

 

These posts have become a bit out of chronological order, but I've gotten so far behind (sorry it's been almost a month since my last post) that I'm just going to write what springs to mind first!

 

I was looking back through my past posts and realised I've never actually written about the Chap Olympiad.  This year was the fifth time I had attended since 2008 and the third with The Vintage News.  I simply adore going to the Olympiad as it seems to be an excuse for all my favourite people from the vintage scene (many of whom I first met at previous olympiads) to get together, drink inordinate amounts of gin and lark about in ridiculous 'sporting' events.

Beach Volleybowler was awfully close to looking like a real sport

 In my official capacity, I was there to take photos and film but I spent most of my time catching up with old friends and eating (my gin and tonic cupcakes went down a treat!)  I spent a lot more time behind the camera than in front of it this year, but I did manage to get in a quick interview with Jeni and Fleur - it was ever so professional and there was much talk of lovely spreads and trinkets!

 

It was also the first year I've taken part in one of the events - Bread-Basketball.  No-one (including the umpires) knew what we were meant to be doing as it was one of the many new events, but it involved sitting at a dining table, trying to stop bread rolls being flung over our heads. Very Drones club, but with the waiters not the diners utilising the baked missiles.

My main thought when choosing my outfit was to pick something I wouldn't roast in (it was 30°C for much of the day).  I decided to go for a 1950s grey cotton dress with white embroidery which I teamed with a large straw hat that I had to decorate in the car because I ran out of time.  I also decorated a fan, which those of you that follow me on instagram may have seen.  If you would like to get your hands on your very own personalised fan, keep an eye on the blog (exciting news soon!) or email me at sadiedoherty@hotmail.co.uk.

 Two dear friends (Russell Nash and Zack Pinsent) were well-deserved winners of the gold and bronze cravats, respectively, although I think Sara should definitely won the best accessory!

  

I think you'd agree, there could be no accessory finer than this

 

If you want to see more wonderfully dressed people, some fairly vicious umbrella work and a bit of limbo (yes, really) there are many more photos on The Vintage News website.

For everyone's safety (apart from their own), Atters and
Young Laurie are matched together for the umbrella jousting 

 

* I was having some problems uploading some pictures, so more will be added when I have more time, thanks for looking at what's here!

Row, row, row your boat...

 For a fair few years, I have attended the Chap Olympiad (the last couple have been with work but just as much fun).  We'd always intended to do a pre-Olympiad "training" (if I can use the term in its loosest sense) video, in the style of the numerous programmes released in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympics last year.  We finally managed to organise a get-together this year which coincided nicely with a photoshoot Time Out were doing for their 'Parks and Recreation' issue.

 

 

We met up in Victoria Park in East London - a beautiful park that I'd not been to before.  Our first scenario for the photographer (and one of the highlights)was a spot rowing.  After going backwards for a bit and getting one of my oars stuck in a bank, I discovered I had quite a hidden talent for it!

 

 The lovely Zack, who was subject to my sometimes maverick rowing style, looked like one of Waugh's dashing gentlemen, lounging in the boat with my umbrella.  After the lake based fun and a few rounds of croquet, it was on to the serious business of devouring a Fortnum and Mason picnic - champagne and all!

 


Kieren and Johnny Vercoutre
and our Fortnum and Mason hamper

After Time Out had got all the shots they needed, we set about getting the vox pops for our piece, with the lovely canal boats and pagoda playing backdrop - it even involved me interviewing myself...   

Zack, with the beautiful pagoda in the background

The lovely Jenny, founder of Frantic About Frances

It was a brilliant day and I just hope I remember to pick up a copy!